Felasco's post filled, for now

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A nomination has been submitted to the Pennsylvania state senate to replace Lawrence County’s treasurer, but the job won’t be filled any time soon.

Gov. Ed Rendell submitted the name of Stephanie Moore of Etters, Pa., Wednesday as a “filler,” said Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips.

“The governor hasn’t decided on a replacement,” Philips said. “But because he has 90 days to name a replacement, it’s been a long-standing tradition that he can name a filler. The [state] senate respects it.”

Moore, who lives in the eastern part of the state, would not be eligible for the job because she does not live in the county, but submitting her name to the senate meets the governor’s 90-day requirement until a permanent replacement is named.

The treasurer’s job became vacant when Gary Felasco was removed by the courts while being sentenced on theft and embezzlement charges. He is now serving a state prison sentence of one to seven years for stealing thousands of dollars from the office for his personal use.

Rendell was notified of Felasco’s removal by the courts sometime after Felasco’s Aug. 1 sentencing.

Cathy Toscano, who had served as deputy treasurer under Felasco, is now acting treasurer.

Rendell, on a campaign stop in Sharon before the Nov. 7 election, said he would name a replacement for Felasco after the election.

Local officials, though, wonder whether Rendell should name a replacement at all.